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Don't Blink!
This interactive book may seem to be on your side, reluctant sleeper -- but it's truly a bedtime book in disguise!
Here's how it works: if you can avoid getting to the end of this book, you can avoid bedtime, simple as that. (It's a pretty sweet deal, actually.) But each time you blink, you have to turn a page. Those are just the rules. So whatever you do, DON'T BLINK!
Here's how it works: if you can avoid getting to the end of this book, you can avoid bedtime, simple as that. (It's a pretty sweet deal, actually.) But each time you blink, you have to turn a page. Those are just the rules. So whatever you do, DON'T BLINK!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
4 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Amy Krouse Rosenthal
90 books1,097 followersSHORT BIO:
Amy Krouse Rosenthal was.
She divided her time.
NOT SO SHORT BIO:
Amy Krouse Rosenthal was a person who liked to make things.
Some things she liked to make include:
Children's books. (Little Pea, Spoon, DuckRabbit)
Grown-up books. (Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life)
Short films. (The Beckoning of Lovely, The Money Tree)
Guided journals. (The Belly Book)
Something out of nothing. (see above)
A longtime contributor to WBEZ and to the TED conference,
Amy lived with her family in Chicago and online at whoisamy.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
September 19, 2019
Cuteness overdrive
The nephew picked out this cute owl on the cover to read. He has these big eyes that draw you in. It’s a book for younger readers. It’s interactive. The premise is that if the kid doesn’t blink his eyes, then he doesn’t have to go to bed and can stay up, but each time they blink their eyes, you have to turn a page. It’s a cute premise.
Each page says something like don’t blink and then it gives suggestions to try. The nephew is so funny, he would say he’s not blinking as he is blinking. ‘I’m not blinking, see’ as I can clearly see him blink. There are 2 cool optical illusions put in the book that I enjoyed and it was funny to see the nephew try not to blink. The more he tried not to, the more he blinked. He had to go to sleep after the book.
The nephew said this was fun and he gave this 4 stars. The niece did not read this story.
The nephew picked out this cute owl on the cover to read. He has these big eyes that draw you in. It’s a book for younger readers. It’s interactive. The premise is that if the kid doesn’t blink his eyes, then he doesn’t have to go to bed and can stay up, but each time they blink their eyes, you have to turn a page. It’s a cute premise.
Each page says something like don’t blink and then it gives suggestions to try. The nephew is so funny, he would say he’s not blinking as he is blinking. ‘I’m not blinking, see’ as I can clearly see him blink. There are 2 cool optical illusions put in the book that I enjoyed and it was funny to see the nephew try not to blink. The more he tried not to, the more he blinked. He had to go to sleep after the book.
The nephew said this was fun and he gave this 4 stars. The niece did not read this story.
May 8, 2018
Funny, cute, and sweet bedtime tale. Don't blink or it's bedtime.
Read
April 4, 2018Don't Blink! written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by David Roberts shares a bedtime story that encourages the listener or reader to interact. This was a fun story that the Royals enjoyed. The story is narrated by a stuffed owl who tells the reader/listener that each time they blink they must turn the page. The book is primarily in black and white with a few colorful pages. The illutations are simple and comforting. The language and words are fun with talks of Holy Pillow Puffs and wiggly font and sentences. It's a cute story that is loads of fun but also designed to prepare your young ones for sleep. Giggles and relaxation occurred as Sophia tried not to blink, counted feet and stared at swirling circles. As we read we tried not to blink, laughed when we did, stared at each other until we giggled and got dizzy looking at optical illusions. While Clayton was too young to fully appreciate the story, he certainly thought his sister and I were funny. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 11, 2018
The conceit of the book is that if you don't reach the end of the book you don't have to go to sleep, but every time you blink you turn the page closer to the end, hence the title.
I found it kind of irritating, but I was reading it to get through the story, not to get a child to bed. I concede that if you have a child who fights bedtime it might work, but it could also get said child more amped up.
I found it kind of irritating, but I was reading it to get through the story, not to get a child to bed. I concede that if you have a child who fights bedtime it might work, but it could also get said child more amped up.
April 17, 2018
Great for pajama storytime!
October 26, 2018
An interactive story in which the reader is challenged to avoid blinking or pay the penalty by turning a page. Quite fun for bedtime. Great ending.
February 27, 2019
So-called interactive picture books can be hit-or-miss for me. I've enjoyed some (like Don't Push the Button!), but there have been some others that just fell really flat. This one is kind of in the middle. It's not awful, but there's probably a group of people who shouldn't read the book at all: those with tics.
I've had tics since I was a child. They're very difficult to control. Sometimes, the power of suggestion is enough to set them off (which is one reason I don't like reading about people with conditions like Tourette's Syndrome). This book could be extremely frustrating for children who have a hard enough time controlling what their own body is doing. First they're encouraged to not blink, but at one point they're told to blink rapidly to get it all out (which feels like a dirty trick, but I digress). I can see this causing issues for those with tic disorders.
The book starts out with the promise that if you can make it all the way through without blinking, you don't have to go to bed. Now, as an adult we can see what the point is... but a child might not understand that they're being played. I would've ended up so frustrated trying to suppress my blinks, and ultimately would've felt like a failure for not being able to do so. Tears of frustration at bedtime is probably not the desired outcome.
For kids who don't have a problem with tics, there might be some value in this book. But I still think it could end up being frustrating, especially for little perfectionists. The aim of the book is probably going to be misunderstood by many young children, and it could lead to problems. It sounds like a good idea in theory, but I'm not sure if it would work in practice.
I've had tics since I was a child. They're very difficult to control. Sometimes, the power of suggestion is enough to set them off (which is one reason I don't like reading about people with conditions like Tourette's Syndrome). This book could be extremely frustrating for children who have a hard enough time controlling what their own body is doing. First they're encouraged to not blink, but at one point they're told to blink rapidly to get it all out (which feels like a dirty trick, but I digress). I can see this causing issues for those with tic disorders.
The book starts out with the promise that if you can make it all the way through without blinking, you don't have to go to bed. Now, as an adult we can see what the point is... but a child might not understand that they're being played. I would've ended up so frustrated trying to suppress my blinks, and ultimately would've felt like a failure for not being able to do so. Tears of frustration at bedtime is probably not the desired outcome.
For kids who don't have a problem with tics, there might be some value in this book. But I still think it could end up being frustrating, especially for little perfectionists. The aim of the book is probably going to be misunderstood by many young children, and it could lead to problems. It sounds like a good idea in theory, but I'm not sure if it would work in practice.
April 5, 2018
Ahhhhh! What a wonderful book with an ingenious idea! A little owl narrates this short and simple tale about trying to avoid bedtime. It turns into a little game because the owl challenges the reader to avoid finishing the book in order to avoid bedtime. Sounds pretty simple, right? You can just open the book and leave it lying there, duh! However, there is a catch: every time you blink, you've got to flip the page. So, eventually it's gonna be bedtime...but Don't Blink! makes getting there fun.
I can't wait to try this out with my son when he's older! It will definitely be a useful tool in my arsenal of weapons to get him to bed on his stubborn day. I LOVE that the pages start out with a crisp white background and slowly darken overtime to emulate the eyes closing and light being filtered out. This helps bring the book to life and make it even more believable when reading it to a child.
I can't wait to try this out with my son when he's older! It will definitely be a useful tool in my arsenal of weapons to get him to bed on his stubborn day. I LOVE that the pages start out with a crisp white background and slowly darken overtime to emulate the eyes closing and light being filtered out. This helps bring the book to life and make it even more believable when reading it to a child.
April 16, 2018
I love Rosenthal's books. Period. I am yawning as I type this after I just finished reading Don't Blink! The curse of the bedtime book--it made ME sleepy. And now I have to get through all of the rest of today and tonight...OH MAN! May just have to make some MORE coffee. *sigh*
July 4, 2018
You really need bedtime and a toddler in your lap to read this book.
January 12, 2019
Don't Blink! reminds me of I Dare You Not to Yawn.
Our owl narrator has plenty of orders for us to follow with some optical illusions to hopefully confuse us into sleepiness.
I found myself getting sleepy after reading several pages...my blinks getting slower and slower....
This fun and interactive book is sure to be a hit at pajama storytimes and at bedtime.
Our owl narrator has plenty of orders for us to follow with some optical illusions to hopefully confuse us into sleepiness.
I found myself getting sleepy after reading several pages...my blinks getting slower and slower....
This fun and interactive book is sure to be a hit at pajama storytimes and at bedtime.
May 30, 2018
Our goddaughters loved this book and I read it 3 times. It was SO much fun to read to them and wait until they blink, which wasn't hard. According to the 5 yr old, "I can't NOT blink!". I also enjoyed the "time travel" section. That was a funny addition.
June 2, 2018
I really enjoy a book that directly addresses the reader. The Monster at the End of this Book was an early and influential favorite.
Library copy
Library copy
November 4, 2019
Adorable interactive bedtime book!
(One kid figured out the solution for not blinking pretty quickly, but still had a good laugh at the end.)
(One kid figured out the solution for not blinking pretty quickly, but still had a good laugh at the end.)
April 28, 2018
Because of its interactive nature, its design, and the cleverly-positioned text and illustrations, this picture book will surely be a hit with young readers. It disguises itself as providing advice for how to stay awake and not go to bed, but the hypnotic and relentless nature of all those reminders not to blink take a toll on readers, and the inevitable happens. The author suggests trying not to blink or staring, even holding open one's eyes or squinting, but still, the reader cannot help blinking. This would be an excellent title to share at bedtime since it has the opposite effect of what it promises and lulls readers to sleep even while they're trying not to blink. From the vivid imagination of the much-missed Amy Krouse Rosenthal, who totally understood how the minds of youngsters worked, this is one to treasure and share with others.
April 6, 2018
It's simple: if you don't want to go bed then DON'T BLINK! Because every time you blink, you have to turn another page of this charming and clever new interactive picture book from the late, great Amy Krouse Rosenthal.
We all know little ones rarely want to go to bed, but DON'T BLINK! will have them excited to settle in for the night! Rosenthal's witty, quirky text will amuse and delight young readers. And Roberts' cute, charismatic owl is the perfect nighttime companion. From staring, squinting, getting all your blinks out, and finally simply closing your eyes, DON'T BLINK! will effortlessly take readers from not sleepy to blissfully off in lala land.
Humorous, fun, and wonderfully executed, DON'T BLINK! is sure to be a bedtime hit with both children and parents!
We all know little ones rarely want to go to bed, but DON'T BLINK! will have them excited to settle in for the night! Rosenthal's witty, quirky text will amuse and delight young readers. And Roberts' cute, charismatic owl is the perfect nighttime companion. From staring, squinting, getting all your blinks out, and finally simply closing your eyes, DON'T BLINK! will effortlessly take readers from not sleepy to blissfully off in lala land.
Humorous, fun, and wonderfully executed, DON'T BLINK! is sure to be a bedtime hit with both children and parents!
June 13, 2018
We all know children are the last people to admit they are sleepy. Even if they can hardly sit or stand upright, they would rather give up dessert for a year than admit they are tired. They live life to the fullest and simply don't want to end any of their days. You have to love their energy and attitude, even if you long for them go to bed and fall asleep.
Give a child a game especially with a challenge and it's an invitation they can't refuse. DON'T BLINK! (Random House, April 3, 2018) written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal with illustrations by David Roberts openly asks for reader participation. It's the best kind of dare.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
May 15, 2018
Don’t Blink by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by David Roberts. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2018. $18. 978-0385391870
Pre-K – ESSENTIAL.
The little owl on the pages doesn’t want to go to sleep, but every time you blink you have to turn a page. Maybe if you close both of your eyes you can’t blink and that will work just as well.
Robert’s super cute owl with the GIANT eyes that are desperately trying not to blink is a big seller for this bedtime book. A sure hit at least for parents at bedtime.
Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Pre-K – ESSENTIAL.
The little owl on the pages doesn’t want to go to sleep, but every time you blink you have to turn a page. Maybe if you close both of your eyes you can’t blink and that will work just as well.
Robert’s super cute owl with the GIANT eyes that are desperately trying not to blink is a big seller for this bedtime book. A sure hit at least for parents at bedtime.
Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
July 14, 2018
*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*
This is an adorable book. The premise is unique (every time you blink you have to turn the page), and the illustrations support the text well. This will make a very fun lap read before bed, and my middle schooler read it several times, so apparently it has older kid appeal, as well :).
This is an adorable book. The premise is unique (every time you blink you have to turn the page), and the illustrations support the text well. This will make a very fun lap read before bed, and my middle schooler read it several times, so apparently it has older kid appeal, as well :).
July 21, 2018
What an adorable picture book! All you have to do is not blink and you'll never finish the book, essentially putting off bedtime forever! Whoops! I blinked!
With optical illusions, tips and tricks to keep from blinking, and some nice end pages where we try to cheat the book by just closing our eyes and thinking about our day, this book is the perfect bedtime companion!
With optical illusions, tips and tricks to keep from blinking, and some nice end pages where we try to cheat the book by just closing our eyes and thinking about our day, this book is the perfect bedtime companion!
March 30, 2018
An interactive story in which a wide-eyed owl uses reverse psychology to lure kids to sleep. The hip illustrations were a lot of fun.
April 19, 2018
I'm definitely going to have to remember this one when my sleep-hating little is old enough to play along!
Hopefully it works for multiple parents!
Hopefully it works for multiple parents!
July 31, 2018
SO CUTE!
August 2, 2018
Similar to "The Monster at the End of this Book" but with blinking and bedtime. A great read aloud for pajama story time.
August 2, 2018
Clever....
And those eyes.....
So big......
And those eyes.....
So big......
August 9, 2018
Very cute!
August 17, 2018
The cutest owl ever tries not to blink. Cute book.
January 18, 2020
Another interactive title, this one challenging the reader not to blink, because "If you can avoid getting to the end of this book, you can avoid bedtime." Each blink is a page turn, so if you don't blink, you won't get to the end, and bedtime can be postponed forever. But it's harder than it seems....
February 26, 2020
Clever and fun bedtime book.
November 20, 2020
Fun read aloud. My lamby (8) read to us all. She loves to make reading a big production.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews